Sorrento: Day Trips and Tours from Naples

Picturesque, colorful and quaint, Sorrento holds a special place in the history, beauty and culture of Italy.

Whether you're looking for a day trip filled with adventure or simply want to relax on an idyllic beach, cliffside Sorrento has something for everyone — its myriad attractions range from breathtaking mountaintop views to ancient ruins, lemon groves and seafood restaurants.

So, grab your sunhat and sandals; it’s time to discover the treasures of this charming coastal town on one of several Sorrento day trips from Naples!

Here's all you need to know about Sorrento, one of the most exciting day trips from Naples.

How to get to Sorrento from Naples?

Sorrento is located in Southern Italy on the Sorrentine Peninsula, sitting around 50 kilometers south of Naples and 260 kilometers south of Rome. It overlooks the Bay of Naples and is close to the famous Amalfi Coast.

From Naples to Sorrento by car

To drive to Sorrento from Naples, you’ll need to take the A3 motorway and then switch onto the SS145. The drive takes about 1 hour. Along the way, you'll pass through Torre del Greco and Pompeii.

From Naples to Sorrento by public transport

There are several options for getting to Sorrento from Naples by public transport. The easiest is to take the Circumvesuviana commuter train from Napoli Garibaldi station. The journey is about 45 minutes (express) or 1 hour 15 minutes (stopping) and costs €4 per person one way.

You can also take the Curreri Viaggi bus transfer service from Naples airport to Sorrento, costing €10 per person one way. Finally, there are many ferry options from Naples' Molo Beverello port if you'd like to take the scenic route.

Guided tour to Sorrento from Naples

The most hassle-free way to get to Sorrento from Naples is by joining a guided tour. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel or the airport and taken straight to Sorrento, stopping off at various places of interest along the way. These are ideal for first-time visitors.

What is the typical itinerary?

The most common itinerary for a Sorrento day trip starts with convenient pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point in the city. Then, you'll make your way to Sorrento, stopping off at various points of interest along the way, depending on your specific tour.

Popular stops include Pompeii and Herculaneum (another ancient city buried by Vesuvius' eruption), as well as Positano and other Amalfi Coast towns, where picturesque views of the Mediterranean await.

In Sorrento, you'll have some leisure time to explore the historic city center and narrow streets, before heading up to the Villa Comunale, which offers stunning panoramic views of the entire region.

Since the town is renowned for its lemon groves and limoncello, you'll likely get to sample some of the delicious local treats before or after lunch at one of the town's many seafood restaurants.

Finally, your tour will end with a drop-off at your hotel. Generally, day trips last around 8 or 9 hours.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Sorrento?

There are several different options for taking a Sorrento day trip from Naples. From basic transport to small group tours, private excursions or combination tours, there's something suitable for every budget and comfort level.

Guided tours to Sorrento from Naples

These are the most common and budget-friendly option for official Sorrento day trips. Led by a professional guide and joined by a small group of fellow travelers, these tours include transport, sightseeing, lunch and entrance fees to various attractions. These tours are suited to social travelers who want to meet new people.

Private tour to Sorrento from Naples

Suited to families, small groups or couples, private tours offer the same experience as a guided tour but with dedicated private transport and personalized attention from your guide.

This type of excursion is great for those who want more freedom to explore at their own pace, or to customize the itinerary according to their personal interests.

Day trip to Sorrento plus Pompeii from Naples

This type of tour combines a visit to Sorrento with the famous archaeological sites of Pompeii – and sometimes Herculaneum too. It's ideal for history buffs wanting to explore the region in more depth, as well as learn about its tragic past.

Day tour to Sorrento plus Pompeii and Amalfi Coast towns from Naples

The most comprehensive way to explore the region is by taking a day trip from Naples that includes Sorrento, Pompeii and stops at various Amalfi Coast towns such as Positano, Ravello and Amalfi.

Led by a local expert, this type of tour offers a glimpse into the beauty of Italy's southern coast, mixing history with culture, sightseeing and food.

How much does a day trip to Sorrento from Naples cost?

The price of a Sorrento day trip from Naples start at around €65 for the cheapest option and cost as much €600 for boutique, private tours.

Generally, small group guided tours to Sorrento from Naples range between €65 and €130 and include transport, your guide and sightseeing activities.

Most day trips that include Pompeii and/or the Amalfi Coast also range between €65 and €130.

Private tours to Sorrento from Naples — including private tours with multiple stops on their itinerary — cost between €100 and €250 per person, depending on the size of your group.

Keep in mind that some tours are priced per vehicle (up to 7 people) instead of per person.

What will you see and do?

On day trips to Sorrento from Naples, you'll get to explore the city's vibrant culture and historical sites. Depending on which tour you book, your day will include visits to some or all of the following attractions:

• The Duomo di Sorrento – a beautiful 12th-century cathedral with Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
• The Basilica di Sant'Antonino – a church dating back to the 16th century.
• The Corso Italia – Sorrento's main street lined with shops, restaurants and cafés.
• The Marina Grande Beach - located near the harbor front, this is one of Sorrento's most popular beaches.
• The Museo Correale di Terranova - a museum dedicated to the history and cultural heritage of Sorrento.

Combination tours may also include visits to attractions in nearby towns, such as the archaeological sites of Pompeii or Herculaneum.

The more comprehensive tours that visit multiple Amalfi Coast towns typically include stops in Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. Here you can explore the famous streets of these towns, take photos of their stunning views, shop for local items and sample some delicious local cuisine.

When is the best time to visit Sorrento?

The best time to visit Sorrento is before or after peak summer — between April and June or September and October, when the weather is warm but not too hot. This period also offers some of the best sightseeing conditions, since it's not as crowded as the summer months.

Are there any tours to Sorrento from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Day trips to Sorrento from Amalfi
• Day trips to Sorrento from Positano
• Day trips to Sorrento from Rome
• Day trips to Sorrento from Salerno

Travel tips

• Book your tour in advance to guarantee your spot on the day you want.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for your day trip.
• Bring cash with you to pay for food, souvenirs or additional activities.
• Be mindful of pickpockets in the Naples area — don't carry too much money with you and keep your belongings close at all times.